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After an incredible 16 years with us, Ray Larsen is retiring from Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) at the end of August. We deeply appreciate Ray’s dedicated leadership and steadfast commitment to HFUW over the years. While we are sad to see him go, we are excited for him as he embarks on this new chapter.
We are also thrilled to welcome Kelly Astro to the HFUW team as our new Senior Vice President, Community Impact.
With over 25 years of experience, Kelly is a dedicated leader who excels in program development, teaching, and community engagement.
Prior to joining Heart of Florida United Way, she served as the Children’s Home Society of Florida’s Community Partnership School (CPS) Director serving Evans High School. In this role, she spearheaded the redesign of the CPS model at Evans, impacting more students through on-campus healthcare services, mentoring programs, college and career readiness programming, and a redesigned resource market. Kelly led the school’s recertification as a UCF-Certified Community Partnership School.
Throughout her career, Kelly has raised over $4 million for educational programs and garnered numerous awards for her service and leadership, including being recognized as an Orlando Magic “Diversity Game Changer.”
Dr. JahKiya Bell has transitioned into the role of Senior Advisor to the President and CEO.
In this newly established role, Dr. JahKiya Bell will provide strategic guidance and support to advance our mission and support busniess objectives. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, she will collaborate closely with the senior leadership team to develop long-term strategies in the areas of community impact, investment planning, outcome measurement, innovation, and public education.
Recognized for her many impactful and lasting contributions both internally and externally within our organization, Dr. Bell has served in various capacities throughout her 26-year tenure with HFUW, beginning as an INROADS Intern in 1995.
Heath Wells has transitioned into the role of Vice President, Community Impact.
For over two decades, Heath has cultivated a reputation for insightful and strategic leadership.
Prior to his impressive ten-year tenure at HFUW, where he spearheaded programs like Orlando Health Pathways, AmeriCorps, and Destination Graduation, Heath honed his leadership skills for over a decade at the Foundation for Orange County Public Schools.
